In the summer of 2008, B&H Academic published an excellent book by David Dockery titled Southern Baptist Consensus and Renewal: A Biblical, Historical, and Theological Proposal. There is much to commend about this book, but one thing I especially appreciate is how Dockery demonstrates that conservative Southern Baptists are not monolithic. This is an idea that Dockery has advanced for years in a variety of forums, and one I’ve emphasized in my own teaching, conference … [Read More]
Our Best Is Yet To Be
As President of the Southern Baptist Convention, I must confess I have never been more excited about our future as a family. The needs that we see arising is a constant reminder that none of us can do alone what we are called to do as a community. I believe as each individual state and local association begin to share their personal needs, it will help all of us to realize that we must once … [Read More]
Great Commission Resurgence Taskforce Report: Charting A Future Path For Southern Baptists for the Glory of God
The interim report of the GCRTF has already generated much excitement and many conversations. This is good and healthy. The Taskforce hoped its report would excite Southern Baptists, and it seems clear it has. It is also the case that the Taskforce wanted to hear from our people and receive their feedback. That also is taking place and we rejoice in this. Our prayer all along has been that the work of the Taskforce would … [Read More]
What Does It Mean To Be Missional?
English-speaking Christians, including many Southern Baptists, have increasingly used the word missional in recent years. This adjective has been used to describe individual believers, local churches, the church universal, and even God himself. The term has also elicted much controversy, in part because there is such a wide variety of churches and thinkers who embrace the missional label. Some Southern Baptists have been very hesitant to use the term, while others have unashamedly owned it, … [Read More]
The Spiritual and the Structural Coincide: Some Thoughts on the GCR
“Our problems aren’t structural, they are spiritual.”
I can’t tell you how many times I have read or heard some variation of the above sentiment in the past eight or nine months. Sometimes it is voiced by stakeholders who are in the “structure,” people like state paper editors, seminary professors, and other denominational employees. It is perhaps understandable that these folks would want to divert attention away from whatever issues may or may not be present … [Read More]
Great Commission Resurgence Task Force Progress Report
The Great Commission Resurgence Task Force gave a progress report to the Executive Committee this evening. The EC did not allow the report to be live-streamed, but a video of the report is now available at the Pray4GCR website. The final report will be available May 3. Please join us in praying for a Great Commission Resurgence in the SBC.
Prayer Request for the GCR Interim Report on February 22
Monday evening February 22 will be an important moment in SBC life as Dr. Ronnie Floyd will make an interim report from the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force. We had hoped to live stream the presentation but we were denied that request. However, Dr. Floyd will post a video that contains the substance of his report immediately following his presentation at the Executive Committee. We are excited and hopeful about what will be shared. Again, … [Read More]
When Words Aren’t Enough: A Report from the Field, Part 1
For much of the month of January, a colleague and I have been in an international setting serving with overseas workers. We have worked together daily in an educational context, and I have been reminded continually of the significance of the Great Commission. To say I am impressed by the workers of our mission board is an understatement, but I don’t want to embarrass my friends by being overly effusive about their labors. None of … [Read More]
Messenger Insight Podcast with Alvin Reid
In the most recent Messenger Insight Podcast, Baptist Messenger editor Doug Baker talks with BtT contributor Alvin Reid about his new Evangelism Handbook, what it means to be missional, contextualization, and the future of the SBC’s North American and international mission efforts. They also discuss the recent numerical decline in the SBC, a historical reality that is denied by some observers. You can listen to the podcast at the Messenger Insight website.
The 21st Century SBC: Conclusion
(By: Danny Akin & Bruce Ashford)
The great crisis of the SBC in the late 20th century was that biblical revelation itself was being attacked. The churches of the SBC met that challenge and will continue to do so. The challenge of the 21st century is not only to hold the ground won in the Conservative Resurgence, but to foster a Great Commission Resurgence. Evangelical Baptist theology goes hand-in-hand with mission. There is an inherent connection … [Read More]
